Australian abroad

As a child story time wouldn’t be complete without my parents reading me the Lion King. It is no wonder that my around the world trip would eventually find me in the heart of Kruger National Park in South Africa.

There are moments in your life that truly take your breath away and for me game driving through Kruger National Park did just that.

After an early start my safari group organised by Acacia Africa headed to the gates of this incredible park. The park has welcomed it’s gates to tour companies for over 80 years making one of Africa’s largest National Parks the perfect opportunity to spot the 'BIG 5'!

As the sun rose over the grasslands I marvelled at the beauty of a herd of African Elephants, watched three 2.5 month old leopard cubs play for what seemed like hours and gazed at a White Rhino lazing by the road cooling down in a puddle. There is truly nothing more beautiful then seeing animals in their natural environment.

After spotting 3 of the 'BIG 5' I was aching to spot the final 2. I was in luck because after lunch I did just that! My tour operator received a tip that a pack of wild dogs were in the area. This is an extremely rare experience as Kruger estimates there are only 200 of these beautiful dogs remaining in the 19,500 sq park. Not only did I see a pack of up to 8 of these beautiful dogs but I got the privilege of seeing the leopard cubs mother attempt to hunt one of the dogs down. It was like I was sitting at home watching the Discovery Channel except it was all unravelling before my eyes. The Leopard was unsuccessful as she failed to spot the rest of the wild dogs pack and was quickly out numbered. How quick the tables can turn. Luckily for the leopard cubs mum made a great escape!

Next up was spotting a herd of over 20 buffalo laying in a riverbank. The Cape Buffalo are arguably the most dangerous of the 'BIG 5' and it was incredible to see such a large herd. My Safari day wouldn’t be complete without heading further north into Kruger where I spotted 2 male lions escaping the African sun under a large tree. These magnificent mammals are incredibly fascinating to watch.

The afternoon was spend appreciating some of the other 147 mammals who call this National Park home; Zebras, Giraffes and Impalas. Unfortunately a Cheetah that was spotted earlier in the afternoon was long gone by the time my truck arrived. However spotting all of the 'BIG 5' and 6 of the 'Magnificent 7' I can wholeheartedly say my safari in South Africa was one of the best days of my life!